It’s unreal to think that a year has passed since Kevin and I got married in downtown Los Angeles after 13 years together. And as we joke, in gay years, it’s even longer!
How quickly a year passes. I feel so lucky.
To celebrate our 1-year wedding anniversary, we’d be in Queenstown, the self-proclaimed adrenaline Capital of New Zealand. But believe it or not, Queenstown has a softer side. In fact, it’s full of hidden romantic spots perfect for couples wanting some quality time together.
Check out our top 5 recommendations for a special night out — whether it’s your wedding anniversary or just a special night out.
5. Grab some Sweets with Your Sweet
Ice cream and cookie dough – for the sweet tooth
At gas stations and mini-marts all across New Zealand, you’ll find Cookie Time chocolate chip cookies ever-so-conveniently located next to the check out. Clearly, I have no self-control when it comes to cookies and would grab one every time. So you could only imagine my excitement when I saw that Cookie Time had a brick and mortar shop in downtown Queenstown.
Kevin has a hard time deciding what to order – a milk shake? Cookies? Cookie dough? So many sweet choices.
Obviously, there are plenty of cookies for sale (including a cookie bar to indulge in). But we personally loved the raw cookie dough served by the scoop. You can sample to your heart’s content such flavors as brownie cheesecake, double chocolate smores or nutella white chocolate. After trying nearly all of them (okay, we sampled them all!), we ended up just going with the classic chocolate chip cookie. We clearly know what we like. It’s not only a cheap date, but a fun spot where you can sample each other’s cookie dough creations.
4. Step Back in Time in Arrowtown and Shop
Arrowtown, just a short drive from downtown Queenstown.
Okay, I know. Arrowtown isn’t actually part of Queenstown. But I’d be remiss in not including it as one of the most romantic spots in New Zealand. Located about a 20 minute drive from downtown Queenstown, this historic district is compact and an entertaining place to stroll for the afternoon, especially if your partner loves to shop. Now clearly, I wouldn’t be guilty of that!
Kevin is loving downtown Arrowtown, a scenic and relaxing walk among all the boutiques. Okay, maybe I was more into the boutiques?
Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town built on the banks of the Arrow River, once a rich source of gold, which attracted miners from around the world in the early 1860’s looking to hit the motherlode. Today its downtown area offers a sophisticated range of fine clothing stores, art studios, galleries, cafés and restaurants, boutique accommodation and traditional pubs and bars. If you’re into history (or your partner is), you won’t want to miss the Chinese miners village on the edge of town that reveals their modest lifestyles and how they tried to maintain their culture so far away from home.
3. See Who’s the Quickest on Queenstown Luge
Get your heart pounding on the luge in the heart of Queenstown.
You’ll have a hard time doing the track just one time on the gravity-fuelled Skyline Luge. Getting up here is just half the fun as you board your own private gondola and are carried 450 meters above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak. Then you switch to a ski lift where they attach your luge to ride up the mountain with you.
Clearly, we learned where the camera was located on the ski lift!
We had a blast zipping down the 800 meters of banked corners, tunnels and dips. Once you’ve conquered the course, hop on the chairlift and do it all again and again. We were clearly hooked. Afterwards, there are other romantic spots to enjoy such as an alpine hike along the Skyline Loop Track, an easy 45 minute trail. Or if you’re feeling much more active, you can attempt the Ben Lomand Track, a challenging 7-mile-long trail that takes 4 – 5 hours to complete for the average hiker.
What a view! Looking out the windows in the lounge bar at the top of the gondola in Queenstown.
2. Chow Down on Steak at Uber-Romantic Botswana Butchery
Celebrating our 1-year wedding anniversary at Botswana Butchery in Queenstown. They rolled out the red carpet.
Located in Queenstown’s historic Archer’s Cottage with spectacular lake views and roaring log fires inside and out, Botswana Butchery is one of Queenstown’s most stylish restaurants. The service was exemplary and the staff was totally on top of everything. Since opening in August 2008, it’s consistently rated as one of Queenstown’s top restaurants. And the romantic factor here is off-the-charts as we were seated right next to the fireplace inside.
Kevin loves the fireplace and sparkling wine.
The wine list is extensive, including international wines as well as local New Zealand wines, particularly some rare ones from the nearby Otago and Canterbury regions. We had a hard time choosing what to order since it all looked (and smelled) so delicious. I went with my usual choice of slow cooked beef short rib while Kevin enjoyed his rib-eye steak. We could hardly eat another bite, but just as I was able to get the bill, they surprised us with a special dessert congratulating us on our anniversary. How sweet is that?
The surprise anniversary dessert – such a great way to end the perfect meal.
1. Soak in a Private Tub at Onsen Hot Springs
Kevin in heavenly bliss at the Onsen Hot Springs.
It doesn’t get much more romantic than a private bath at Onsen Hot Springs. We were ready to relax and unwind after an action packed day in Queenstown. Each pool is housed in private cedar-lined bathing rooms, complete with shower, changing area, and breathtaking views. There is a retractable front wall where you can open it up for an al fresco experience. Kevin loves hot tubs and I could tell he was thoroughly enjoying the experience. He didn’t even fall asleep! Always a good sign that he’s enjoying himself. When night falls, the lights are dimmed in each of the rooms to give you a clear, unobstructed view of the stars overhead. Evening pools (after sunset) include a lantern package where you will be surrounded by the glow of burning lanterns. There are a variety of packages that include massage treatments or others with a glass of bubbly, wine, beer or juice or snacks like ice cream, chocolate bars and potato chips.
Drinks and snacks are available for purchase or part of a larger package.
Be sure to book reservations well in advance. I booked our tub for a 7 PM slot about six weeks in advance and felt lucky to get one of the last few available. Insider tip: book room number 6, which is on the very end of the spa to have the most privacy.
And there you have it! Enjoy your romantic time in Queenstown. And if this isn’t your speed, well, there is always the tandem AJ Hackett bungy jump off the Kawarau bridge. Okay, that would definitely be the end of our relationship. Till death do us part, literally!
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